Mathematical model adapted from a deterministic, continuous-time model of HIV transmission parameterized using a hypothetic 2003 random digit dial study of Seattle men who have sex with men (Brewer et al.). Test performance was based on an oral fluid-based HIVST.

Summary of findings

Model suggests that if HIVST replaces / supplements clinic-based testing, HIV prevalence may increase among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Seattle, even if HIVST results in increased testing. These increases in HIV prevalence were mostly caused by the relatively long window period of the currently approved test. If the window period of a home-use test were 2 months instead of 3 months, prevalence would decrease if all MSM replaced clinic-based testing with self-tests and tested more than 2.6 times more frequently.